There are nearly 21 million people in the U.S. who suffer from the effects of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. This can be caused by several things including an injury and certain diseases, but the most common reason is aging. Most cataract diagnoses are made when people are in their 60s and 70s. The presence of cataracts in one or both eyes can affect vision so dramatically that it has a profound effect on quality of life. Drivers with cataracts are more likely to have collisions, while others are unable to distinguish certain colors and may be affected by the glare of light.
When the protein molecules in the lens of the eye begin to clump together, light is blocked from entering as fully as it should to the retina. This clumping often occurs slowly over time and is painless. As a result, people with cataracts will often notice their vision fade over a period of years. For many people who wear glasses or corrective lenses, this may seem like a normal part of their changing prescription. However, there are several symptoms that may point to the presence of cataracts.
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Changes in perceiving color
- Clouded or foggy vision
- Double vision
- Frequent changes in prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses
- Glare or halos around lights
- Poor night vision, especially with headlights
- Steady and progressive loss of vision
- White or milky spot over the pupil of the eye
If you regularly go to your eye doctor, they will be able to test to see if you are developing cataracts. However, only you will be the best judge of how your vision has changed. Some people may find that their vision has changed and a simple change in a prescription will give them better sight. This may be the case even when cataracts have first begun to develop. But when cataracts have advanced to the point where it is making it difficult to perform daily tasks, cataract surgery may be the best way to restore vision.If you believe you may have cataracts, already have cataracts, or would simply like to be tested to see if you have them, please contact Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A. We serve the Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey area.